Sturgess was among the five actors who recently screen-tested for the role; Levi was not in that group. "Marvel is said to be impressed with (Levi's) Guardians test and open to continuing their relationship. Marvel has had its eye on Levi for a while, as he had been in talks to play Fandral in the original Thor before NBC decided to order more episodes of Chuck," says the trade.

Variety adds, "While Levi and Sturgess remain frontrunners to play Star-Lord, sources caution that an unnamed third actor may be tested after the holidays."